Boomgarden acknowledged drinking alcohol and taking a prescription sleep aid before driving to a fast food restaurant on July 28 and striking a motorcycle. The driver of the motorcycle was injured, while 36-year-old passenger Tracy Handel died.

Boomgarden faced up to 30 years in prison as part of the plea deal, but local media report that the victim's family asked the judge for leniency, saying they want Boomgarden to learn from his mistake and seek help.